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Trump Administration Invests $71,443 in Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Pennsylvania

Name
Amber Albright
Phone
City
Harrisburg
Release Date

Trump Administration Invests $71,443 in Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Pennsylvania

Investment to Help Farmers, Rural Business and Agricultural Producers Boost Their Bottom Line
 

Harrisburg, PA., Aug. 17, 2020 – The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $71,443 to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs in rural Pennsylvania. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). 

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, I am delighted to announce these missions to help cultivate and advance renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into farmers, rural businesses and ag producers operations to help create jobs and help America become more energy independent,” Coccodrilli said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Pennsylvania in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural American thrives, all of America thrives.”

Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.

In Pennsylvania:

  • Canon Dairy from Middlesex, Pa. was awarded $20,000 and will be used for the purchase and installation of a 96.94 kW solar pv system on the Canon Dairy Farm. This project will generate 121,375 kWh per year and realize $11,077.60 of savings per year.
  • Melvin Stauffer from Holland, Pa. was awarded $20,000 and will be used for the purchase and installation of a 115.5kW solar array assisting this locally owned custom woodworking small business. This renewable energy project will provide 91% of the shop's electrical needs which is equivalent to powering over 10 homes annually.
  • Brian Bruno from Saylorsburg, Pa. was awarded $11,433 and will be used for the purchase and installation of a 31.955kw roof mounted solar system at a vegetable farm. The solar system will replace approximately 47% of the farm's current electrical usage.
  • Dale Weiler from Lebanon, Pa. was awarded $20,000 and will be used to assist The Weiler Poultry Farm to produce 116,182KWh of renewable solar energy using solar panels and will provide 111% of the agricultural producer's electrical needs. This is enough to power almost 11 homes annually.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

If you would like to schedule an interview with State Director Curt Coccodrilli, please contact Amber Albright at 717-237-2295 or Amber.Albright@usda.gov.

 

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